Times of Anticipation

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

For months stores displayed twinkling lights and enticed shoppers with an assortment of appealing purchases. Christmas arrived with jubilance for a large number of people. But not everyone. 

            A number of friends lost loved ones this year. They didn’t look forward to the holiday. Their anticipation was one of dread because of grief and sadness. How would they make it through the normal activities and not break down? Would tears replace joy? 

Gifts were unwrapped. Christmas carols silenced. Cookies eaten. The joyful anticipation of Christmas faded. The sparkle vanished. But in some homes there was no sparkle even at the beginning.

            Cloud covered skies reflected the mood of disillusionment the day after Christmas. The after Christmas let down leaves many people, not just those who are grieving, feeling lost with feelings of uncertainty. What comes next? Even the new year may bring anxiety and not upbeat anticipation. 

            I studied the nativity sets in my living room. Baby Jesus lay in every manger. We celebrate His birth and welcome the image of the infant. However, Jesus didn’t stay in the feeding trough. 

            He grew into a toddler, teenager and a man who gathered a group of twelve disciples. For three years He taught them so they could share the Gospel. 

            As the decorations are boxed up and goodies finished, the joy of Jesus’ birth, life and resurrection continues. His story resonates around the world giving hope to the hopeless. Life to those who feel lifeless. Comfort to the ones who grieve. 

            Jesus commands us to share the Good News to those near and those far away. As the new year approaches, we can learn to be more like Jesus as we encourage those who mourn, who are depressed and who feel lost. 

If we reach out in the name of Jesus, what a blessing that will be.  

Father, thank you for Jesus coming as a baby and becoming a man who is always with us as we travel an uncertain journey.

In Jesus name,

Amen

From Bare Shelves to Anticipation

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:7-11(NIV)

After a time of staring at barren shelves, I pulled boxes of nativities from the closet and began putting them in place. Memories overflowed. Two olive wood sets came from our trips to Israel. There was a stone one from Kenya which Alan purchased on one of his many mission trips. On a mission to Peru, we visited a large market and bought a pottery creche. My mom had painted a set of ceramic figures which covered one shelf. Every one of the over twenty nativities took me back to previous years. 

            Each set was distinctive but also similar with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and a manger. Most had shepherds, sheep, and wise men. A few had camels, cows, angels and a star. 

            Typically, Mary and Joseph look down at Jesus in the manger. Shepherds and wise men stand or kneel outside the stable. Farm animals gather outside with the camels further away. Angels spread their wings and watch in awe. 

Every scene is frozen in time. No movement or sound. I enjoy looking at each scene but they only represent one moment in history. 

A video might reveal a chorus of animal sounds as sheep and cows settle down.  New parents marveling at their tiny son and discussing how to comfort him. Cries of a newborn and a young mother wrapping her son in swaddling cloths. Then came excited voices of unkempt shepherds as they peered inside. 

Wise men would be far away questioning the bright star before starting their journey to Bethlehem. 

I would love to know the thoughts and feelings of everyone involved at Jesus’ birth and those who traveled to visit him. 

Whether a short trek from the hills of Bethlehem or a long journey from a far-away land, they all came with anticipation at the birth of Jesus. 

Like my collection of nativity sets we can become stuck at Christmas in the busyness of the season.  Better options would be to spend time reading Scripture and meditate on what God says. Trust Him to lead us to what is important instead of what we think is best, what others want us to do or what we have always done. 

Because of illness for several days, I have had to cancel activities to rest and relax. My full schedule contained all kinds of pursuits that I looked forward to. 

However, being home has given me an opportunity to enjoy a simpler but meaningful Advent. Drinking eggnog while watching special Christmas presentations and listening to Christmas carols gave me entertainment. I am reading through the book of Luke along with other Scriptures and have enjoyed other Christmas stories.

When I hear people say the most important part of Christmas is giving gifts or being kind, I realize they don’t know they full story of Jesus. Of course, we are to be generous and loving but why do we celebrate Christmas? 

Unfortunately, many people don’t really know why we have the festive celebrations or have failed to remember. 

A life changing gift would be to truly know Jesus. 

Loving Father, teach us to know Jesus better and to help others know Him.

Amen

 

Empty Shelves and Lives

 Empty Shelves and Lives

Rebecca Carpenter

December 7, 2023

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,

 they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, 

your Savior. I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

Bare shelves, stripped of all decorations, challenged me each day for over two weeks. The entertainment center normally held souvenirs of our travels, family pictures and inspirational plaques. As I thought of adorning my home for Christmas, each treasured item found a safe haven. But then I didn’t feel like dragging out the bins of Christmas decorations. 

            Somehow, the empty shelves seemed appropriate in our chaotic world. While wars rage and unrest becomes normal, crowds rush into a frenzy of shopping. Many can’t afford gifts but buy them anyway.  People are offended by the mention of Jesus and Christmas. They want the glitz and bustle of Christmas but not the One for whom it is celebrated. 

            With nothing to see except pieces of dark wood, I imagined the bleakness of Israel when Jesus was born. Roman occupation suppressed the Jews and made life difficult. Life was hard. 

            Jews looked forward to their coming Messiah as Isaiah had prophesied hundreds of years earlier. Many believed their Savior would rescue them from the tyranny of the Romans.  

            Perhaps their lives seemed empty like my shelves. Were they hopeless and crushed at the state of their world? Did they abandon God, turn to other gods or give up? 

            In our crazy, mixed-up world, we face similar problems to those of long ago in Israel. Wanting an end to despair, people try to find relief in drugs, alcohol, relationships, work… In many cases, there is no hope for the future. Joy alludes them. 

            But there is an answer. 

God, guide us in sharing the Good News this Christmas season.

Amen